History

The Bayou City became an official city in 1837. They named it after General Sam Houston, a military and political leader who played a key role in achieving independence for Texas from Mexico at San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

Geography

Located in southeast Texas, Houston is close to Galveston Bay and both Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe. The city covers about 600 square miles.

Population & Demographic

As of 2015, 2.3 million people were living in Houston; according to 2010 U.S. Census estimates, more than 60% of Greater Houston's population are minorities.

Main Attractions

Space Center Houston, The Health Museum, and The Children's Museum of Houston. Additionally, there are great views of downtown and Buffalo Bayou from Hermann Park, where visitors can rent paddle boats or go for a hike in one of several nature trails around.

Unique Facts of Houston, TX

#1

One thing you might not know about H-Town is that it has no natural lakes. However, there are several artificial lakes in and around town.

#2

The University of Houston has one of the highest graduation rates in all of Texas.

#3

Buffalo Bayou is one of two man-made waterways in Texas that flow into Galveston Bay. The other man-made waterway is Lake Conroe on Lake Conroe.

#4

Museum District - Few cities can boast of having an entire district dedicated solely to museums. However, Houston's Museum District is home to 19 different art institutions.

#5

The Houston Rockets won back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995. The team's named after NASA's Mission Control Center located in the city.